Forsaken Priest of the Hero's Party-Chapter 96: Because Its My Duty

“Y-You’re going to the Cidatel Republic? Why?”

The princess looked shocked, her words catching in her throat.

“You can’t. It’s dangerous. I don’t know why you want to go there, but the Republic is a nightmare now.”

I already had the reports from Mr. Panton’s interviews with refugees: the ash in the Cidatel Republic was so thick that visibility was nil, plunging the land into perpetual darkness.

In a land where both sun and moon were obscured, all one could see was a colossal mountain range engulfed in flames.

People sensed that the end was near and were losing control. They coughed in the choking ash, their skin broke out in painful rashes, and they shielded their faces with sooty hands.

Some had become mobs, looting homes and shouting that the world was ending.

It was horrible, but I still had to go. A general cannot abandon his post, and a priest must display courage as well.

Now was the time for courage. How could I preach My Lord’s will while cowering from danger?

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“If you’re set on going, I can arrange escorts. But know this: while they may fend off mobs, no knight can shield himself from ash and lava. Both you and the Saint would be at risk.”

I smiled at her as she pleaded.

“That’s why I’m going without escorts.”

I hadn’t planned to take Roka along, but her insistence left me no alternative.

“You’re going without escorts?!”

The princess was shocked, yet my resolve remained unshaken.

My mind is made up. I must go.

“When do you plan to leave?”

“Right now, after saying goodbye. Ambassador Rowena of Elvenhome has everything ready.”

“Right now?And without any escorts?”

“Yes.”

The princess, clutching her head in dismay, seized my hands and pleaded.

“Please, don’t go. You’re risking your life. I know God watches over priests, but this seems like a death sentence.”

“Let go of his hand. If you’re not coming, stop holding on.”

Roka spoke up, and the princess asked, confused, “Coming along?”

“I’m going. I asked to be taken.”

“And what exactly do you plan to do there?”

“We’re going to defeat the Phoenix.”

I started to speak, though Roka shouldn’t have been the one to speak. I knew there would be unexpected variables, just like the Star Dream Observatory showed me in the future. This situation wouldn’t be easy.

“It’s impossible. The Monster King is...”

“So you’re not coming? Very well.”

Roka rested her forehead against my back and murmured, “It’s already decided—we’re going. Just tell me if you’re coming along.”

The princess seemed too distracted to mind the rudeness.

“I... I want to follow you, but...”

“But what?”

“The citizens of the Republic aren’t our subjects, and that is not my concern. Besides, I have countless other duties.”

She glanced at me nervously, making excuses.

I’m even taking Roka along. If the princess had volunteered to come, I wouldn’t have refused, but if not, that’s her choice.

Roka glared at the princess, though no law dictated that one must repay a life saved by sacrificing one’s own.

The princess continued to talk almost without realizing it, yet I understood her concerns all too well.

“I need to stop whatever Edmund is planning, protect Mother and His Majesty, and if I leave, the Holy Empire could cause trouble...”

“Stop beating around the bush,” Roka grumbled. “You’re just saying you won’t come.”

“N-No, that’s not it!”

“Then what is it?”

“If I enter the Republic, the temple and my brother might isolate me by destroying the gate. It’s too dangerous.”

As the princess hesitated, I cut off Roka’s glare.

“Roka, enough. The princess is right.”

“Master?”

“It’s not her place to go. It’s mine.”

I had never expected her to forsake her duties as a princess and accompany me. That’s why I came to say goodbye.

Whether this goodbye is permanent or fleeting rests solely with Him.

I know where I should be and believe I know the answer as my Lord does.

Not acting on that knowledge is negligence, and I didn’t want to be a negligent priest.

“May you be well until we meet again.”

I made the sign of the cross and bowed to the princess. She reached out, but her hand dropped. She hesitated, unable to decide what to do.

She couldn’t stop me or send me off happily. She simply watched as Roka and I left.

I knew she wanted to stop me but couldn’t bring herself.

“Are you done with goodbyes? I’ve already spoken to the gate operators.”

Roka and I met Ms. Rowena at the Plaza of the Empire.

Only a few lingered near the teleport gate, and they soon dispersed.

Ash and black smoke billowed from the gate, giving it the appearance of a portal to the underworld. Even on a second glance, it remained deeply unsettling.

Coming out from there might be one thing, but Going through the gate seemed dangerous, and Ms. Rowena’s expression showed concern.

“Are you planning to go through that? It looks dangerous even now.”

“Are you going to follow?”

I asked Roka. She nodded without hesitation.

I handed her a bluebird feather. She was surprised, wondering why I was giving it to her rather than being surprised by its effect.

Has she seen such a thing before?

“This is...”

“This is a bluebird feather. It will protect you from the volcano. It won’t affect you if you’re attacked rather than environmental conditions so that it won’t help against the Phoenix.”

Miracles operate within the limits ordained by the Lord. This feather will shield you from the elements, but it cannot defend against direct assaults like fireballs.

“Well then, shall we go?”

‘’Isn’t this supposed to be handled by that hero? I heard she got support from the whole continent, but what’s she doing now?’’

Roka grumbled. She seemed hesitant to follow, even though she said she would.

No one enjoys stepping into doors choked with smoke.

But I was curious. What is Yurinel doing now?

It hasn’t been long since she was defeated. Has she gone after Grimudo, or is she still in the demon realm, plotting against Harmael?

Either way, it is unlikely our paths will cross again in the Cidatel Republic.

Will we ever meet again? Only the Lord knows.

For now, our focus must be on aiding those in need.